Why do I get recurrent itching down there?
- Category: Women's Health
- Date: 23-09-2022
If it often itches down there know that you are not alone. 75% of women suffer from candidiasis in their lifetime and 45% of them get recurrent infections.
Candida is normal if in the right amounts
This may sound weird, but many types of bacteria and fungi (yeast) live on and within our bodies. They must exist in the right amounts to act as checks and balances for each other to prevent infections. Such organisms are called normal or healthy flora or because it is normal for them to exists on or in the body. One such organisms is a yeast known as Candida, with the common specie called candida albicans at normal levels, the it is not problematic but when it overgrows it can cause an infection known as candidiasis. In most cases, the healthy bacteria in our bodies body prevent Candida from overgrowing but if their levels are disrupted this balance is lost. Candida can also overgrow when the immunity (body’s ability to fight infections) is reduced.
Common Causes
Prolonged use of antibiotics: Antibiotics kill bacteria including the healthy bacteria which normally keep candida in check. As a result, candida will overgrow.
Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV, Diabetes and cancer which weaken the immune system can allow candida to overgrow. Prolonged use of steroid such as dexamethasone can also weaken the immune system.
Increased estrogen levels: Candida infections are also common in Yeast in women with higher estrogen levels — women taking birth control pills containing high-doses estrogen, women on estrogen hormone therapy and those who are pregnant.
Uncontrolled diabetes: High levels of sugar encourage yeast to grow. Women with diabetes whose sugars are poorly controlled blood have a higher risk of candida infections than those with well-controlled blood sugar.
Inappropriate underwear: Wearing tight or dump underwear or using sanitary products such as tampons for so long can create a favourable environment for yeast to over grow.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include itching, redness, swelling, painful intercourse and a thick, white (milky) discharge from the vagina. Vaginal discharge can be watery or thick but it should be odourless (not smelly). It is also common to get a mixed infection because this yeast infection makes it easy for other organisms to cause infection. This is the reason why most discharges start as odourless but a foul smell appears if they remain untreated.
Treatment and prevention
There are medications available for treating Candida infections. Some of these are taken orally (by mouth) or inserted in the vaginal. Speak to your health care provider today to advise on the best treatment option for you.
To reduce your risk of vaginal candida, avoid or treat the causes described above. In addition, use dry, cotton underwear that is loose fitting, avoid Douching (washing the inside of the vagina) because it removes healthy bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection.
Common myths
Myth 1: Candida results from sharing toilets: Candida is not spread through sharing toilets. In most cases the environment within the vagina and immune system will determine if you get candida or you don’t.
Myth 2: Only women get yeast infections. Although it is more common for women to get candida men can get these infections.
Myth 3: Candida infections only occur in the vagina. You can get candida in the mouth, between your toes, between your thighs or under your breasts, or on the penis (if uncircumcised)
Myth 4: Candida results from sexual intercourse: Although you can get candida through sex, it is also possible to get it when you are abstaining from sex if you take antibiotics for so long, have uncontrolled blood sugar or any of the causes described above.